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Back healing, Lind could return to lineup Friday

Back healing, Lind could return to lineup Friday

TORONTO -- Adam Lind continues to progress through rehabilitation for his lower back injury and could be back in the lineup as soon as Friday.

The 27-year-old has missed the Blue Jays' last three games with the ailment after leaving Saturday's game against the Tigers in the seventh inning.

Lind has been receiving a number of treatments, including acupuncture and anti-inflammatory medication, which finally began to set in over the past two days. He played catch before Wednesday's game and was scheduled to hit off a tee as well.

"We'll look to progress to baseball activities further tomorrow provided there aren't any lingering effects of any kind," manager John Farrell said before Wednesday night's game against the Red Sox.

The worst of Lind's back troubles was a spasm that forced him to stiffen up and made even bending over an arduous task. But the team opted against a stint on the disabled list because of the muscular nature of Lind's injury.

"The encouraging thing all along was that there was nothing neurological, so structurally all the medical reports were favorable," Farrell said. "We felt like once the spasm released there was a good chance he could respond and get back in action fairly quickly."

Farrell said there was a possibility Lind could be back in the lineup for Friday's series opener against the Twins, but the manager was waiting to see how he progressed Wednesday and Thursday.

Meanwhile, shortstop Yunel Escobar was back in the lineup Wednesday, less than 24 hours after taking a 91-mph fastball from Jon Lester off his ankle. The 28-year-old left Tuesday's game after the incident, but he felt well enough to hit leadoff Wednesday.

"He was sore last night," Farrell said, "but he came in today, got normal treatment and evaluation. He's good to go."